I'm Ali, and I built Foqos to give people a practical way to reduce compulsive phone use without adding recurring costs.
Many products in this category center around branded hardware. Foqos takes a different route: use common NFC tags or free QR codes, while keeping the app itself free.
I believe focus tools should stay accessible, transparent, and easy to adapt to your own routine.
Phone addiction is very real. It's destroying our focus, our relationships, and our mental health. And the only way to solve it is by creating free tools that actually help people. That's why I built Foqos—the 100% free, open-source iPhone app blocker that uses the same NFC and QR code blocking these apps charge you for.
Brick vs Foqos: Which setup fits your routine?
Choose Brick if...
- You want one branded hardware device out of the box.
- You prefer a simple NFC-only unlock flow.
- You do not need timer plus physical unlock combinations.
Choose Foqos if...
- You want a free app with no subscription or hardware lock-in.
- You want NFC and QR workflows for multiple locations.
- You care about open source, privacy, and flexible blocking rules.
What Makes Foqos Different?
Foqos supports both NFC and QR code blocking. You do not need branded hardware to get started. Standard NFC tags are often low cost in bulk, and QR codes are free to print.
Here's what Foqos can do:
- Custom Profiles: Create blocking profiles for work, studying, or bedtime
- NFC & QR Blocking: Start or stop sessions with a quick tag tap or QR scan
- Mix & Match Strategies: Manual, NFC, QR, NFC + Manual, QR + Manual, NFC + Timer, QR + Timer
- Timer-Based Blocking: Block for a set duration, then unblock with NFC or QR
- Physical Unblock: Optionally require a specific tag or code to stop sessions
- Habit Tracking: See your focus streaks and session history at a glance
- Smart Breaks: Take a breather without stopping your session
- Website Blocking: Block distracting websites in addition to apps
- Live Activities: Real-time status on your Lock Screen and Dynamic Island
- Privacy First: Your data stays on your device. No cloud sync or tracking
Why Physical Blocking Matters
Pure software blockers are easy to bypass. When willpower fails, you need friction.
Foqos adds physical friction to your digital life. Scan an NFC tag or QR code to block distractions. Hide that tag or code. When you're done, physically retrieve it to unblock. It works because it makes getting distracted actually difficult.
Foqos vs The Competition
| Feature | Foqos | Brick | Bloom | Unpluq | Blok |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 100% Free | $99/device | $39/device | $29.99/device | $59.99/device |
| Open Source | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| NFC Support | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| QR Code Support | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Timer + Physical Unlock | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Habit Tracking | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Website Blocking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Privacy (No Cloud Sync) | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Comparison snapshot is based on publicly listed product details as of February 2026.
How to Get Started
Getting started takes 3 minutes:
- Get a NFC tag or print a QR code — Use any NFC tag or print any QR code from your computer. NFC tags cost under $1 each online.
- Select the apps/websites you want to block — Create custom profiles and choose which apps and websites to block.
- Block distractions — Hide that tag or QR code, focus on your life. When you're done, scan the QR code or tap the NFC tag to unblock.
What Users Are Saying
App Store rating: 4.9/5 with 2200+ reviews.
"Love this app. The many options for how to enable/disable blocking modes is exactly what I was looking for. I have one NFC tag that I scan on the way into my home office on work days and having to physically get up and go scan the tag again to access social media has helped me so much with distractions."
— rahuggins, App Store Review
"I struggle with answering messages sometimes (ADHD and anxiety) and Foqos is a big help by allowing me to schedule in a time each week to answer messages with Foqos on to keep me on track."
— Anonymous User
The Future is Free
Foqos is free today. It will be free tomorrow. It will be free forever.
Because focus tools shouldn't be locked behind paywalls. Everyone deserves access to tools that help them reclaim their attention—without extra barriers or lock-in.
Ready to break free from phone addiction?
If Foqos has helped you regain control of your digital life, consider supporting development with a coffee.
Other Alternatives to Explore
Looking at other app blockers? Check out our comparisons:
- Bloom App Alternative - A free alternative to the $39 Bloom app
- Blok App Alternative - A free alternative to the $59.99 Blok app